Film, food and a French village

The beautiful Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, where The Hundred Foot Journey was shot, is brimming with stories and surprises

Many a scene of The Hundred Foot Journey was shot in the interiors of this charming house. Photo: Supriya Kantak

He is a self-taught cook, inheritor of the family’s love of cooking and recipes redolent with spice and flavour, who casually tosses his ingredients into whatever he’s cooking, and though the dish might vary each time, it is always incredible. She is a sous chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant that is careful about every gram of every ingredient added to its soups and finely carved meats.

Across the tiny street, the battle lines are drawn. But Cupid has his ways, and as the rivals walk the narrow road, over which trees bow their branches obligingly to shade them from sight, the moment is ripe with promise. And they pause, gaze at each other and draw close for that first kiss.

“Cut!” calls the director, leaning back in satisfaction at the perfect shot. And just like that, the magic is over.

The canal road, where the characters Marguerite and Hassan Haji share a kiss. Photo: Supriya Kantak

Walking down the canal road where the scene was shot, beside what was once the site of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val’s renowned tanneries, it is easy to imagine the history the little village has seen, right from the medieval era.

Protected by the high cliffs of the Roc d’Anglars, the village lies in a green valley between the regions of Aveyron and Bonnette. Thanks to the tanneries that the river made viable and the money brought in by the richly processed leather, the village grew to be a centre of trade, with its merchants venturing as far as Italy, Holland, Spain and England. The ideas of sculpture and art they brought back from their travels are still in evidence in some of the houses here.

The town is sleepy as we walk through its narrow, winding, picturesque streets. It’s a Saturday, so presumably people are having a lazy morning before the Sunday village market takes over. That’s when the town really comes alive, with people pouring in to sell their produce, including the much treasured truffles, found in plenty around the region and sold in unseen batches to the highest bidder.

When the railways replaced the rivers as a means of transportation, the village lost its relevance as a trading centre. But its quiet, old-fashioned beauty has remained. When Hollywood producer Steven Spielberg was looking for locations to shoot a film based on a French story, a member of his team who was from the village suggested it as ideal. A series of recce trips later, the unit descended to convert the village into a live film set.

The river that flows through the village, also where the fishing scene was shot. Photo: Supriya Kantak

Two years have passed since the filming of The Hundred Foot Journey, but almost every one of the 1,900 inhabitants of the village has a story to tell about it. Meeting award-winning actors such as Helen Mirren and Om Puri in their midst and finding the borders of the real and the make-believe merging is something that tends to linger in memory. So we hear stories upon stories. Of how almost the entire village was recruited to be part of the market and background action. Of how the weekly market was stocked for days on end to ensure the vital, exciting scenes of rivalry were shot to the director’s satisfaction. Moonlight scenes were shot, much to the amazement of the locals, by the help of a hot-air balloon, whose operator “came all the way from Hollywood, to sleep through the day. At night when moonlight was required, he would float up on his balloon and shine the ‘moonlight’ down on to the required scene”. An incredulous local exclaims, “And can you imagine what he was paid for just floating around?”

Most interesting are the stories we hear from Sabine and Evert Weijers, the owners of Chambres d’Hôtes La Résidence, the B&B where we have spent the night. During the filming, Helen Mirren’s hairdresser stayed here, as did Om Puri’s stunt double, who did some of the more dangerous scenes of the film, such as the car crash. Evert describes how the stuntman had checked out on the last day of the shoot but kept his bags there for safekeeping. “When night fell, he did not turn up. Instead, there was a strange man at the door asking to take his bags. We asked him for identification, and it turned out he was our guest, in full Om Puri make-up!”

The story of the hairdresser is another interesting anecdote. The girl had worked endlessly to create a wig made to the exact measurements of Mirren’s head. Once satisfied with her creation, she took it to the star, who was staying in Toulouse, many miles away. Mirren tried it on, and true to her dour character in the film, shook her head dourly and outright rejected it. The shoot started early next morning, so the hairdresser had no option but to drive back to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and redo the wig. It took her all night to undo her handiwork and recreate the look the star wanted.

Though the film met with a mixed response everywhere else, in the small village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, when it premiered in September 2014, a year after the shooting, it ran to a full house. Every single person went to see it, and even those whose scenes had been edited out saw it at least twice! All agreed that the old Roman roads, the quaint houses and the winding streets had never quite looked as beautiful. Clearly, for these 1,900 people, the film’s real star was their own home.

Getting there: Fly to Toulouse, France, with Air France (stopover in Paris) or Lufthansa (stopover in Munich). From Toulouse, the village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val is a little over an hour’s drive away.

Next: 50 things to do in Europe before you die:

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Take a canal tour in Amsterdam: When in Amsterdam, grab some fried herring, a can of Heineken, and hop on a canal tour. The Dutch aren't crazy about curtains, so you can peek right inside some of the most amazing palatial townhouses as you float along—think coffered painted ceilings and gorgeous interiors. Maria Shollenbarger

Shop the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul: Even the most studied vintage buffs might find themselves slightly overwhelmed and outpaced by Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. It’s one of the largest and oldest markets in the entire world, with construction dating back to the 1400s and more than 5,000 stalls offering, well, everything: handmade jewellery, textiles, ceramics, carpets and old coins, alongside knockoff handbags, watches and shoes. The Coveteur

Geek out at Trinity College: Aside from having an incredibly beautiful campus, Dublin's Trinity College also houses the famous Book of Kells, a 9th-century manuscript penned by monks in amazingly intricate fonts and illustrations. When you’re done perusing, a visit to the library’s Long Room (pictured) is an absolute must—you’ll feel like you stepped directly into a Disney movie. Caitlin Morton

Wander through Kensington Gardens: After a picnic in Hyde Park, head west to one of London’s prettiest green spaces. Kensington Gardens is home to Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived from 1984 until her tragic death in 1997; you’ll also find plenty of lovely foliage, as well as some of London’s most famous monuments (including tributes to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert) on the grounds. It’ll almost certainly be crowded on a sunny spring day, but it’s still worth the trip. Amy Plitt

Examine David—from many angles—in Florence: This isn’t as saucy as it sounds, we swear. Despite the omnipresence of Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture, David deserves to be examined up close. He is breathtaking: a 14ft-tall marvel in marble who is alternately human and divine. David commands your attention from all vantage points. Your perspective changes as you look left, at the muscle definition the artist managed to convey in hunks of stone, and then look right, into the frightened but determined eyes of a simple man about to face off against the giant Goliath. The statue stands alone in the centre of a rotunda at the Accademia in Florence, because no other artwork could compete for your attention. (Though Michelangelo’s Prisoners are worth a study before you leave the museum, the replica David outside Palazzo Vecchio is also a treat.) Laura Dannen Redman

Eat oysters in Croatia: People have been harvesting oysters in the bay of Mali Ston (between the slender peninsula Peljesac and mainland Croatia) since Roman times. Their delicate flavour has been lauded for centuries. Wash them down with a glass of the local white wine, pošip. Calder Quinn

Sleep in a car in Stuttgart: And we don’t mean in your rental. In Stuttgart, Germany’s automobile capital—the current home of Daimler and Mercedes-Benz—you can actually sleep in a car that’s been turned into a bed. At the car-themedV8 Hotel, you can choose to sleep in a Volkswagen Beetle, Mercedes-Benz and even an engine-red Cadillac convertible. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Mercedes-Benz Factory right across the road—and watch as it churns out a whopping 2,500 cars every day. Krisanne Fordham

Catch a flamenco show in Andalusia: Watch a flamenco show in any city in Andalusia, Spain (though my favourite is Seville). It’s so fun to grab ‘una botella de vino’ while you sit back and watch the beautiful dance with your friends. Rachel Coleman

Take a carriage ride through Kraków's Old Town: Kraków is a picture-perfect Polish city steeped in history and culture. The beautiful Old Town and medieval Wawel Palace are always worth your time, especially if you take a leisurely ride in one of the city’s famous horse-drawn carriages. They queue up around the market square and offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors. Project Bly

Sail around the island of Capri: Take a boat ride around the island of Capri—you’ll get to see the entire island this way (at least from afar), and the beauty of it is absolutely breathtaking. You’ll also get to see the famous blue grottos up close and personal, without the crowds! Rachel Coleman

Spend a night at the opera in Vienna: Music as we know it would be unrecognisable without the existence of Vienna, which nurtured the talents of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Mahler, plus local boys Schubert and Strauss. Visitors today can hear the fruits of all that creativity in the city’s legendary opera houses such as the Staatsoper (pictured) and Theater an der Wien. Jenna Scherer

Go skinny dipping in Sweden: When the sun rises at 3am in summer and Swedes wander home from a night on the town, post-club skinny dipping is considered perfectly lagom (acceptable). Favourite places to neatly fold your party gear and take the plunge? Of the 14+ islands that comprise the city, we'd pick the tiny coves west of Västerbron Bridge at the tip of Långholmen, and off the small, wooden jetties along Norr Mälarstrand on the southern shores of Kungsholmen. They’re both private and safe. The clean, clear, cool water is sure to tingle and recharge you for your journey home, or that first morning fika (coffee). David Jefferys

Get blinded by science in Brussels: Visit one of the weirdest attractions in all of Europe—the Atomium in Brussels. It's an enormous model of an iron crystal built in 1958 that’s both ebullient and terrifying in the way only the Atomic Age could be. Paul Brady

Connect with the Vikings in Roskilde: Roskilde, Denmark, may be best known these days for hosting a music festival, but this more than 1,000-year-old town just outside of Copenhagen was once the centre of a thriving Viking community. Visit the Viking Ship Museum, where you can try on traditional Viking gear and even ride around a fjord on a re-created Viking ship. On the way out of town, stop at Roskilde Domkirke, a UNESCO-listed cathedral where kings and queens of Denmark are entombed. Lilit Marcus

Marvel at the enormous Norwegian Sognefjord: Fjords are practically synonymous with Norway: These narrow inlets of sea, bookended by craggy cliffs or steep walls of rock, make for many a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop. Western Norway is home to some of the most famous fjord landscapes. Case in point: the Sognefjord. At 204km long and 1,038km deep, the Sognefjord, aptly dubbed “the king of all fjords”, is the longest and deepest in all of Norway. Oneika Raymond

See the world’s best art in Paris: If you’re in Paris and don’t take at least a day to visit the Louvre, you’re missing an opportunity to see some of the greatest treasures that humanity has created. Granted, you don’t need to spend a ton of time looking at the Louvre’s most famous works, including the Mona Lisa or the Winged Victory of Samothrace—and with the crowds that gather around them, you probably won’t want to anyway. But there are literally thousands of things to see, such as paintings by Renaissance masters, Egyptian sarcophagi and the building itself (which includes a mini Arc de Triomphe and the iconic IM Pei pyramid, located at the main entrance). Amy Plitt

Soak in a thermal bath in Budapest: One of the greatest pleasures of Budapest is the city’s spectacular thermal baths. These architectural gems surround a labyrinthine network of saunas, steam rooms and naturally warm pools whose mineral-infused water springs straight from the ground. The city is awash with thermal spas, such as the world-famous Gellert (pictured), and the Turkish-built 16th-century Király and Rudas Baths. Natalie Holmes

Channel Brigitte Bardot at St Moritz: The Swiss Alps are known for their storied resorts—snow-dusted, chocolate-box-pretty towns where excess comes with a side of skiing. In St Moritz, they play polo on the frozen lake and wear chinchilla and sable fur instead of fleece. It’s the Alpine equivalent of, say, Deer Valley or Aspen, with flocks of on-piste peacocks from Russia and Brazil cascading down trails that feel more like fashion runways than ski runs, and Ferraris in every colour parked outside the iconic Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. Tom Robbins

View the Northern Lights in Iceland: You can see the Northern Lights from various places, but Iceland gets our #1 vote. Winter is prime viewing time, but the variable weather means you might also just see a sky full of rain clouds. If you’re intent on witnessing the lights, be sure to book a few trips to Iceland’s interior to maximise your chances, and pack a thermos of coffee—the lights are at their most active between 11pm and 2am. Hana Schank

Have afternoon tea at Claridge’s in London: Afternoon tea at Claridge’s is an institution: there’s nothing more classically London than sitting down to scones, finger sandwiches and artfully prepared pastries served on that signature mint-and-white striped china. The tea itself is sourced by connoisseur Henrietta Lovell from small producers across China, Sri Lanka, Africa, India and Europe; of course, the Claridge’s own blend is the highlight. Book early, as afternoon-tea reservations must be made 90 days in advance. Krisanne Fordham

Take a train over the Oresund Bridge, between Malmo and Copenhagen: For Americans, the idea of simply popping over to another country in half an hour’s time with minimal hassle (and, usually, without passport checks) seems unthinkable. But many Swedes and Danes commute back and forth between Malmo and Copenhagen every day, and this straightforward commuter train just so happens to go over the sweeping, elegant Oresund Bridge, with gorgeous views of the Oresund Strait. It is pretty, efficient Scandinavian life at its finest, and the perfect place to recharge before a full day of exploring a new city. Lilit Marcus

Get swept away by the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow: Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet was founded in 1776. Until the 20th century, it struggled to compete with its St Petersburg rival, the Imperial Russian Ballet, but has since become one of the grand historic theatres of the world. The Bolshoi’s Moscow season runs between October and May, and you should arrange for tickets as far in advance as possible, as they sell out quickly (orchestra seats online sell for $150 or Rs9,600 to $300 or Rs19,250; for popular performances, they can go for up to $1,000 or Rs64,000 on the secondary market). Maggie Shipstead

Look up in Barcelona: Throw a stone in Barcelona, and chances are you'll hit something designed by Antoni Gaudí. La Sagrada Familia is one of, if not THE most popular tourist attraction in the city, and it’s not hard to see why. Our advice for your visit: Look up. Aside from being one of the tallest churches in the world, with spires casting shadows on the city below, La Sagrada Familia’s interior is filled with stained glass and treelike columns that are worth witnessing (just be prepared to pay an entrance fee). The Coveteur

Look down in Lisbon: From the wide, tree-lined Avenida de Liberdade (pictured), to the brightly painted houses in Baixa and Alfama, to the majestic arches in Terreiro de Paço (Lisbon’s sprawling central square), Lisbon’s streets are filled with whimsy, romance and vibrancy. Don't forget to look down as you stroll: ornate tile work, a Portuguese trademark, adorn a number of the city’s sidewalks and streets. Oneika Raymond

Sip a cocktail in front of the Eiffel Tower: Paris has its share of luxury hotels with magnificent views, but there’s something special about the experience from the rooftop terrace at Hôtel Raphael. Take a seat beneath rose-covered trellises and enjoy a drink or two with the Eiffel Tower looming on the horizon. This terrace is best during warm spring days and the summer (naturally), and it’s always a good idea to make a reservation for the terrace. Carin Olsson

Enjoy a pilsner at the “highest beer garden in Germany”: The so-called “highest beer garden in Germany” sits atop the Zugspitze, which just so happens to be the highest mountain in Germany (makes sense). Although it takes some effort to reach this sprawling terrace—accessible only by cable car or foot—it’s undoubtedly worth it to take in views of the Alps with a cold beer in your hand.Caitlin Morton

Eat truffles in Umbria: Though Tuscany has some great wineries, long-overshadowed Umbria is where it’s at: not only is it home to Italy’s best “new” wine region, Montefalco, the region also produces some of the world’s finest truffles. Head over to Locanda del Teatro or Trattoria Pecchiarda for plates of pasta piled high with freshly shaved black truffles. Krisanne Fordham

Explore the traboules of Lyon: Lyon is known for its rich food scene, but a closer inspection of the city betrays a complicated, multilayered past. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed traboules are a series of tunnels that run under, around and through the city. Most of these passageways, which began as shortcuts for traders, are still private property, but you can get tours of a few of them through Lyon’s tourism board. Just don’t be surprised to run into a local Lyonnais whose front door is just off the traboule. Lilit Marcus

Hop the stones of Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim: The rocky northern Irish coast is beautiful, but the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim is like nothing you’ve seen before. The shoreline here is covered in hexagonal-shaped gray stones formed from basalt. It’s not unusual to see kids and adults alike skipping from stone to stone or climbing the hill-like formations. These simple stones will remind you of how breathtaking nature can truly be—and, if that’s not enough for you, the Bushmills Distillery is not too far away. Lilit Marcus

Time-travel in Athens: The Acropolis is one tourist-filled site in Athens you can’t miss. Being able to see the Parthenon up close and personal is a moment you will never forget, and the views atop the hill are the best in the city. Get there early to avoid the crowds (or go at night with a date and a bottle of wine), and don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes for the climb up. After you climb down, snack on some koulouri (a crunchy bread ring coated with sesame seeds) from the many street food carts in Athens. Rachel Coleman

Take a black taxi tour of the Troubles in Belfast: It wasn’t that long ago that Belfast was better known for daily bombings, not Game of Thrones tours. Thankfully, peace arrived in Northern Ireland in 1998, formerly ending “The Troubles,” but a 3-mile-long, 18ft-high “peace wall” remains that serves as a daily reminder of the bloody battle between British loyalists on Shankill Road and the Irish nationalists on Falls Road. Northern Ireland has regular talks about bringing the wall down; until then, black taxi tours of the neighbourhoods take you along the dividing line, past homes painted vibrantly with murals and propaganda, and deep into the history of the city. You tour guides typically still identify as Protestant or Catholic, so the story you hear may vary slightly—though they may not tell you their religion until the end, if at all. Laura Dannen Redman

Bike around Amsterdam: Cycling is gaining popularity as a mode of transportation in many urban centres, but Amsterdam was at the forefront of that trend—and there’s still no better way to see the city. Amsterdam has its own bike-sharing system, OV Fiets (about €3 or Rs220 gets you a day of riding), and there are plenty of bike-rental companies scattered throughout the city. Just keep an eye out for wayward pedestrians, and remember to follow the rules of the road. Amy Plitt

Attend the Grand Prix in Monaco: The population of Monaco varies with the seasons but averages 37,000, which balloons to seven times that number during the Formula 1 Grand Prix races. Those who are born and bred in Monaco grow up speaking French, Italian, English and Monaco’s own language of Monégasque. Aside from its spectacular harbour brimming with yachts and the opulent casino showcased in James Bond films, Monaco is home to a world-famous Oceanographic Museum, the director of which was once Jacques Cousteau. Cynthia Drescher

Dine at Rules, the oldest restaurant in London:Rules, London's oldest restaurant, is old-school, funny and a must for visitors. Aside from good food, you’ll find portraits of illustrious guests from centuries past, lush drapes and super unassailable old waiters in white aprons with serviettes over their arms. And the people watching these days really must be experienced to be believed. Maria Shollenbarger

Dance at the Exit Festival in Novi Sad: Founded in 2000, the Exit Festival began as a student movement but has evolved into one of the most popular music festivals in the world (yet, the sense of social responsibility from its founding mission remains). The main venue is the Petrovaradin Fortress, a massive structure first laid down by the Romans and added to over the centuries by various ruling parties trying to assert their hegemony. The event takes place every summer in July (9-12 July this year) and is a massive party attracting revellers from all over Europe and beyond. Calder Quinn

Sail around the Greek Isles: The secret’s out on Mykonos, Santorini and even Patmos—but on the lesser-known islands of Antiparos, Paros (pictured) and Pano Koufonisi, the beaches are unspoiled, the tavernas are rustic and the pace of life is blissfully slow. There are hardly any nightclubs, boisterous restaurants or high-end shops—and yet there seems to be no end of whitewashed hillside towns and hidden swimming caves to discover and explore. Lindsay Talbot

Drink chianti in Chianti country (and bordeaux in Bordeaux): As Randy Kalp notes in a Condé Nast Traveler article, “As of 2012, Italy was home to a little over 10% of the world’s vineyards by the acre, just behind world leaders Spain and France.” If you haven’t tried the wines of their namesake regions—over a leisurely, three-hour lunch paired with plates of charcuterie and cheese—you ain’t living. Laura Dannen Redman

Live like royalty in the Scottish Highlands: Scotland has no shortage of castles, but nothing makes a traveller feel more regal than to actually stay in a castle. Inverlochy Castle, which was converted into a hotel in 1969, is located right among the lochs and mountains of the Scottish Highlands. Let the lavishly decorated rooms and historic grounds help you pretend to be actual royalty for at least one day of your life. Caitlin Morton

View Reykjavik’s skyline from the top of Hallgrímskirkja church: Iceland is known for its rustic beauty and epic landscapes, but the country’s city scene shouldn’t be overlooked. Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is full of cozy cafés, beautiful architecture and colourful views. Make it a weekend with a day in the city and a day trip along the Ring Road (don’t miss the hot springs). Aran Goyoaga

Walk the Berlin Wall: Berlin celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall last year, but remnants of the wall remain throughout the city. You can bicycle or even walk the entire length of the 13-mile-long structure, now converted to a series of paved pathways, divided into 14 stages that pass from rural idyll to the bustling city centre. Along the way, you’ll spot abandoned watchtowers and stretches covered in colourful murals. Chaney Kwak

Pair history with gelato in Rome: When in Rome, right? It’s hard to uncouple your favourite experiences here from the meals you ate: that stopover at the Pantheon wouldn’t be the same without the espresso at Caffe Sant’Eustachio afterwards, standing at the bar like the locals do. We remember the gelato outside the Vatican as fondly as we do the Vatican’s Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. And our walk around the Roman Ruins might not register as clearly as that antipasti platter in the hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Trastevere. Laura Dannen Redman

Drink a beer (or five) in Prague: There’s a tired cliché that beer in Prague is cheaper than water. Unlike many clichés, though, this one is absolutely true. Not only is the beer cheap and plentiful, it’s also record-breaking. Prague has the world’s highest per capita beer consumption; for a great overall experience, head to the Strahov Monastery. After viewing its Romanesque basilica and gorgeous dome-roofed library, visit the on-site restaurant for hearty bread dumplings and beer brewed by the resident monks. Lilit Marcus

Watch Valencia burn during Las Fallas: Once a year, the seaside city of Valencia, Spain, is set ablaze. This is no ancient riot or night of purging; rather, the annual festival of Las Fallas honours the feast of St Joseph with several days of street parties, live music, fireworks and carte blanche to set off the loudest firecrackers and noisemakers you’ve ever heard. The jubilant celebration wraps up with “La Cremà”, when 20-30ft effigies are put to the torch in the town squares. There’s nothing else like it. Laura Dannen Redman

Get up close to a warship: Stockholm’s Vasa Museum only has one major artefact—and it’s a great one. The Vasa was a 17th-century warship that sank almost immediately after leaving the port, and it was salvaged about 300 years later in nearly perfect condition. Unlike some museums, where you feel overwhelmed by the scope or number of artefacts, the Vasa’s singular, fascinating approach will definitely make you feel like you learned something monumental. Lilit Marcus

Go for a morning jog in the Luxembourg Gardens: Runners are a global community; there’s no better way to experience this than to start the day with a run in a city far from home. And there’s no better place to do that than the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. The park is famous for its centre: those wide sanded avenues, broad steps, playgrounds and statues are quintessential Paris. But there’s a more rustic set of paths skirting those, and it’s there, every morning, that you’ll find dedicated locals getting their exercise on. Bring your gear and join in. Afterwards, relax with a morning café au lait and people-watching session at La Rotonde on nearby Boulevard Raspail. Brad Rickman

Get lost in Guernica: At 25ft long and 11ft high, Picasso’s Guernica is not only physically impressive but emotionally staggering—and it has to be seen in person, in Spain, at the Reina Sofia to fully feel its weight. Picasso’s 1937 painting depicts the German aerial bombing of the Basque town of Guernica but manages to sum up World War II with such power and pain, it will leave a lasting impression. Laura Dannen Redman

Follow the In Bruges trail, in Bruges: Bruges is arguably the best preserved medieval city in Europe. It’s also the setting of 2008’s excellent In Bruges starring Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell, a film that both sends up and celebrates the city’s reputation. Follow the main characters’ journey through the sites the city has to offer: admire the artwork of Jan van Eyck, René Magritte and Hieronymus Bosch (pay particular attention to his triptych, The Last Judgement) at the Groeningemuseum and head to the town centre’s 250ft belfry to relish the best view of the city and site of the film’s dénouement. Calder Quinn

Order an Einspänner in Vienna: A Viennese speciality, the Einspänner is a double espresso topped with house-made whipped cream, served in a clear glass and often with a little Viennese chocolate on the side. A waiter will nod at the order; everyone in Vienna knows the Einspänner, but the drink hasn’t travelled much outside Austria. Try one surrounded by the wood-panelled, art nouveau interior of Café Landtmann, or the bright, mid-century modern splendour of Café Prückel. Cynthia Drescher

Buy leather in Florence: The street markets of Florence are no joke—vendors hawk their wares with tenacity, making you feel like if you don’t leave with three scarves and an ash tray, you’ve committed a grave sin. There was this one time I’ll never forget: I was browsing leather jackets casually, noncommittally (I lived in soggy Seattle at the time, so I wore nothing but a raincoat for nine months out of the year). I was getting a hard sell on a beautiful short, reddish-brown jacket, practically the colour of auburn hair, but couldn’t bring myself to drop the cash. What did I need a leather coat for? Then there was an explosion in the sky—golf ball-sized hail started screaming down, mixed with torrential rain. It sent the street market vendors scrambling, and the salesman who had been forcing that coat down my throat threw on his own black leather jacket and beelined outside to bring in his goods. We were stuck in his shop for a good 20 minutes, enough time for me to watch his coat survive that nasty downpour and come out looking better than ever. I was sold—I left wearing that auburn coat, and it’s my favourite thing I own to this day. Laura Dannen Redman

Stand on the end of the continent: Sagres is a wind-swept outpost set on a thin peninsula at the far southeastern edge of Portugal. Long associated with the Age of Discovery—when bold seafarers set out to discover new trade routes in foreign oceans—the town still keeps lighthouses that watch over the deep blue waters. Today, a new audacity permeates the area, as surfers battle 15ft waves surging in off the Atlantic. Paul Brady